Grand Theatre Leeds – until Saturday 10th May 2026
Reviewed by Katie Brewerton
4****
Here and Now is the brand new musical based on the songs of Steps. Set in a supermarket with a group of friends looking for a ‘Summer of Love’ Here and Now is the ultimate cheesy, camp, feel good musical.
As you enter the theatre the set towers over you from the stage, almost the entire show is set in Better Best Bargains Supermarket, with aisle numbers 5, 6, 7, 8 taking centre stage for obvious reasons. The show begins with Caz (Lara Denning) encouraging her work friends to do whatever it takes to make themselves happy in love. Robbie (Blake Patrick Anderson) finds fault in everyone he dates and never really gives anyone a chance, Vel (Jacquie Dubois) is in a relationship with someone she doesn’t actually like and Neeta (Rosie Singha) is in love with colleague Ben (Ben Darcy) but is too afraid to tell him. They make a pact that by Caz’s 50th birthday they will all strive to make themselves happy just like Caz.
Caz soon receives devastating news as her husband decides things aren’t working between them, just as they get approved to adopt a child. She now has to search for her own happy ending as well. After an ill advised decision by Caz to help Max (Edward Baker-Duly) buy Better Best Bargains in exchange for help with her adoption and financial security things go from bad to worse for all the friends and they must come together in the second act to save the store and their friendships.
The cast are great with fantastic vocals, particularly Lara Denning and you’re in for a special treat with a performance by River Medway, who plays Jem, in full drag with his own entourage singing Chain Reaction.
Packed with hits including the hugely popular Tragedy, Better the Devil you Know and of course 5, 6, 7, 8 the mega mix finale had everyone up on their feet clapping along.